Belgium’s two largest regions are Dutch-speaking Flanders , which includes fashionable Antwerp and the famous medieval city of Bruges, among others , and the southern Francophone area of Wallonia. The southeastern part of the country is dominated by the Ardennes: a rugged, densely forested area that was the site of three major battles in the two World Wars. Bruges is a startlingly picturesque city laced by a network of mirrorlike canals. Its draws include numerous superb art galleries. Brussels is the headquarters of both NATO and the European Union, and it’s similarly rich with magnificent art museums. Belgium is famous for beer — more than 1,000 varieties — chocolate, waffles and french fries. (French fries are said to have originated in Belgium, and they’re superb here.) The country’s appeal is enhanced by the density of medieval towns accessible by short train rides, making it an easy and rewarding trip.